An East London landlord has been ordered to repay more than £14,600 to former tenants after a property tribunal found he had been operating an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Landlord, El Hamoudi, who mostly lives abroad, did not attend the hearing. He said he believed licensing requirements only applied where properties were overcrowded or in poor condition. When he became aware of the rules, he reduced the number of tenants rather than applying for a licence.

The tribunal heard the six-room property at Printers Mews in Bow was let to five people from more than two households, with each bedroom having its own numbered entrance door.

Sharers’ agreements

The tenancy agreements were described as ‘sharers’ agreements’, which the tribunal said may have been intended to deprive tenants of their usual legal protections.

The property was managed on Mr El Hamoudi’s behalf by an unnamed managing agent, who also lived in one of the rooms.

Tenants alleged the agent had cut off the electricity, attempted to increase rent without proper notice and threatened to throw away tenants’ belongings if communal areas were not kept clean, although these complaints were not formally pursued.

According to MyLondon, environmental health inspectors later identified fire safety issues, including missing bedroom smoke alarms, non-interlinked alarms and unsuitable fire doors. Judge Nicol said the landlord was fortunate no fire had occurred, adding this was not a point in his favour.

No excuse

In its findings, the tribunal rejected Mr El Hamoudi’s defence, stating that being vaguely ill-informed about the law was not a reasonable excuse, as landlords are expected to understand their legal obligations.

Describing the breach as a “serious default”, the tribunal awarded the two tenants £14,611.20 – around 80% of the maximum possible rent repayment order.